Starting Therapy with Me
What happens when you get in touch, what a first session is like and the practical details
Thinking about therapy can bring relief, uncertainty and a fair amount of apprehension. You may have been considering it for a long time, or something may have happened recently that has made life feel harder to manage.
You do not need to arrive with a clear explanation of what is wrong. We can begin with what you know now, even if that is simply a sense of feeling anxious, stuck, overwhelmed or caught in patterns you cannot seem to change.
How starting therapy works
Send me a message
Your first message can be brief. Tell me whether you are interested in meeting in person or online and any appointment times that may work for you.
Have a free phone consultation
We can speak before you decide whether to book. You can tell me a little about what brings you to therapy, ask questions and get a sense of me.
Arrange your first session
If it feels right to continue, we will agree a suitable time for a 50-minute session in Mickleover or online through Zoom.
You can contact me by WhatsApp, telephone or email. There is no need to write your whole story in the first message.
What happens in the first session?
We will talk about what has brought you to therapy and what feels most important at the moment. I will ask some questions to help me understand you and anything I need to know so that we can work safely and appropriately together.
The first session is also an opportunity for you to notice how it feels to talk with me. Therapy is a relationship, so your sense of whether you feel comfortable, respected and able to be yourself matters. You are welcome to ask questions and you do not have to decide immediately whether you want to continue.
If you would prefer to speak briefly before booking a full session, the initial phone consultation is free.
Fees, location and appointment times
Fee
£60 for a 50-minute individual therapy session.
In person
Western Road, on the border of Mickleover and Littleover in Derby (DE3).
Online
Zoom sessions are available to adults across the UK.
Appointment times
Daytime, evening and weekend appointments are available.
As a registered and accredited member of the UKCP, my practice adheres to the UKCP Code of Ethics and Professional Practice.
Common worries about beginning therapy
What if I cannot explain what is wrong?
You do not need the right words or a neat account of what has happened. Sometimes the starting point is knowing that something feels difficult, repetitive or out of balance. We can take time to understand it together.
What if I feel nervous or become upset?
Feeling nervous when you meet a therapist is understandable. You decide what you share and when. If something feels difficult to talk about, we can slow down and pay attention to what you need in that moment.
Will what I say be confidential?
Confidentiality is central to psychotherapy. Before ongoing work begins, we will discuss how your information is handled and the limited circumstances in which confidentiality may need to be broken for reasons of safety.
What if I am unsure about continuing?
You are allowed to think about whether the therapy and your relationship with me feel right for you. Questions, uncertainty and concerns can be discussed openly, and arranging an initial conversation does not commit you to ongoing therapy.
You do not have to be certain before getting in touch
A brief conversation can help you decide what you would like to do next. Tell me as much or as little as feels manageable in your first message.